MG 4 EV Urban Special Edition gets unique look for modest premium

The MG 4 EV Urban Special Edition five-door electric hatch has been announced for Australia, with a range of cosmetic changes and a limited run of 750 vehicles.

The Special Edition is based on the MG 4 Urban Essence 54, the higher of two model grades currently in Australian showrooms, for an additional $1000 on top of its current $32,990 drive-away price.

That price includes a current promotional offer of $2000 cashback on vehicles delivered by December 31, 2026, as MG looks to rein in the slender 81-vehicle sales lead the Geely EX2 holds year-to-date over its MG 4 EV Urban.

The pack brings contrasting black paintwork for the Urban’s roof and exterior mirror caps, teamed with either new Ice Blue metallic paintwork or the Diamond Red hero colour. Both avoid the usual $700 metallic paint charge.

The standard dark grey interior gains additional ambient lighting – found on the door panels – in the only other change.

MG Australia has previously said the higher model grade accounts for the majority of MG 4 EV Urban sales in Australia.

“We're seeing a clear preference for the MG4 EV Urban with the larger 54kWh battery, which now accounts for around two-thirds of sales compared with the 43kWh version. In fact, the larger battery option is outselling the smaller one by almost two to one," MG Australia marketing director Dimitri Andreatidis told CarExpert.

"What's particularly encouraging is that this preference has continued to strengthen since launch. It tells us that customers aren't just looking for the most affordable way into an electric vehicle; they're also thinking about how an EV fits into their everyday lives.

"The strong uptake of the larger battery option suggests that having the extra driving range is something customers are willing to pay a little more for."

The Essence 54, named after its 54kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, has a 118kW/250Nm front-axle electric motor, a claimed 0–100km/h time of 8.7 seconds and a WLTP range of 405km.

For comparison, that’s 8kW up on the $3000 cheaper Essence 43, which has the same 250Nm of torque, a claimed 0–100km/h time of 9.0 seconds and a 43kWh LFP battery offering 316km of WLTP range.

Both offer DC (direct current) fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes.

Like the regular MG 4 EV Urban Essence 54, the Special Edition includes 17-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and a six-speaker sound system.

There's also a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 360-degree camera.

A 10-year/250,000km warranty applies to vehicles serviced by an authorised MG dealer.

MORE: Explore the MG 4 EV Urban showroom